Samari Matthews Caps Prep Career With State Title, Eyes Bigger Goals at Texas
Samari “Smoke” Matthews closed out his high school football career with a statement, helping lead his team to a 21–0 shutout victory in the 8A state championship game. The Texas 2026 commit finished on top, doing exactly what elite players do on the biggest stage.
When asked about the state title win after the game, Matthews kept it simple and direct, saying, “Defense wins championships.” Later, when the reporter followed up and asked how it felt to be headed to Austin as a state champion, Matthews didn’t hesitate. “It feels great. I’ll be back as a natty champion next time.”
Talk about a kid with a ton of confidence — and he backs it up with his play. Matthews looks like a day-one competitor for Texas, a proven winner who wants all the “smoke” and isn’t afraid of the moment.
